Steve Sidwell Signs

STOKE CITY have completed their second signing of the close-season by landing Steve Sidwell following his release by Fulham.

The vastly experienced midfielder joins Phil Bardsley in checking-in at the Britannia Stadium as the Potters step-up their preparations for the 2014/15 Premier League campaign.

Sidwell, 31, has agreed a two-year deal and will officially join the Club on July 1 when his contract with Fulham expires.

City Chief Executive Tony Scholes said: "Steve was much in demand following his release by Fulham and we are delighted to have won the race to secure his signature.

"Mark Hughes signed him for Fulham and from talking to Steve I know how much he's looking forward to working with him again.

"Like Phil Bardsley, Steve brings great experience to our squad and I'm sure he will prove to be an excellent addition to our squad."

Sidwell started his career with Arsenal and got his first taste of league football in loan spells with Brentford and Brighton before moving to Reading in 2003.

He was a key member of their Championship-winning side in 2005-06 and was named in the PFA's Champions Team of the Year. The Londoner scored 29 goals in 168 league appearances before joining Chelsea in 2007 on a free transfer.

Sidwell spent one season at Stamford Bridge, making 15 Premier League appearances in the process, before joining Aston Villa. He played in 45 league games for Villa, scoring three goals in the process, before switching to Fulham in 2011.

He scored 14 goals in 92 league appearances for the Cottagers – seven of which he bagged last season as the West London outfit waged an ultimately unsuccessful battle against relegation.